THE Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) has launched its 31st Winter Fair.
The event will return to Eikon Exhibition Centre at Balmoral Park on December 8.
It provides an opportunity for farmers, exhibitors and industry specialists alike to meet.
Livestock from across Ireland will compete for the coveted title of supreme champion.
Danske Bank has sponsored the event since its inception in 1986.
John Henning, head of agricultural relations at the bank said: “Our sole sponsorship of the Winter Fair now enters a fourth decade - quite an achievement in an era where such long term business relationships aren’t as common place, as they once were – and we are very proud to have sponsored one of the biggest events in the agri-food calendar in Northern Ireland during this time.
"We value our close links with the Winter Fair and hope that our investment in the event - both financial and people - has contributed to the undoubted success of this major dairy showcase.
"Our support for the Winter Fair reflects a strong and ongoing commitment to the wider agri-food industry in Northern Ireland – both in terms of significant lending to the sector and expertise of our dedicated agribusiness team."
RUAS operations director Rhonda Geary added: “2015 saw the move of Winter Fair to our new purpose built exhibition venue, Eikon Exhibition Centre at Balmoral Park.
"The move has worked brilliantly and attracted one of the largest attendances to date.
"In preparation for the 31st Winter Fair we have increased the livestock accommodation and now have stalling, washing and milking facilities for 200 cattle. There is 4,750 sq m of exhibition space and a full house of 200 trade stands."
